Parque da Liberdade

Parque da Liberdade is a public park in Sintra, set on a slope just south of Volta do Duche in the town's historic centre. It was created as a green space for local residents, and it remains one of the most relaxed places to pause between visits to the palaces and castles.

How did Sintra get its city park?

The idea dates to 1935. Municipal authorities noticed that Sintra, for all its castles, palaces, gardens and woodland, had no ordinary town park where residents could simply unwind. A plot was purchased in 1936, and the Tourism Commission began developing it. The official opening took place in July 1937, and the park quickly won over locals and visitors alike.

Tennis courts and an ice rink were added in 1939. Fewer of the old sporting facilities remain today, but skating still takes place on the former hockey rink, where Sintra's hockey team once trained and played matches.

What is there to see?

Quiet paths wind through greenery and sculpture. Large, colourful figures of animals, both real and imaginary, are scattered around the grounds, adding a playful touch that children especially enjoy. A pond is home to geese and ducks, making it a natural spot for a short break.

On the western side of the park you will find a playground called Jardim de Bico. If the kids still have energy to burn, they can carry on there while adults rest. There is also space for a picnic.

A more unusual feature is the Virtual Theatre, a visual system that presents the beginnings of exchanges between Portugal and Japan, using a scale model of a sixteenth-century port city.

Who is Parque da Liberdade for?

It suits families with children, travellers who want a calm break in a busy sightseeing day, and anyone curious to see everyday Sintra away from its headline monuments. Its position close to the historic centre means it fits easily into a walk around town, with no need for a bus or car.

Practical tips

• The park is near Sintra's historic centre, so walking is the easiest way to get there.
• An hour or two is usually enough for a stroll, feeding the ducks and a visit to the playground.
• Bring something to eat, as the park has a picnic area.
• Sintra is hilly, so comfortable shoes are useful here too.
• Check current opening hours and any events, such as Virtual Theatre sessions, with Sintra's tourism website before you go.

Frequently asked questions

When did Parque da Liberdade open? Officially in July 1937, after the land was bought in 1936.

Is the park good for children? Yes. There are colourful animal sculptures, a pond with ducks and geese, and the Jardim de Bico playground.

Where exactly is it? On a slope just south of Volta do Duche, in Sintra's historic centre.

What is the Virtual Theatre? A visual system that uses a model of a sixteenth-century port city to tell the story of early exchanges between Portugal and Japan.

Can I have a picnic there? Yes, the park has a designated picnic area.